FIRST Minister Humza Yousaf has been featured on the cover of Time Magazine for a special on 10 “trailblazers shaping the future”.
The SNP leader is only the second Scottish politician, after Edinburgh-born Tony Blair, to grace the cover of the historical publication in recent years.
Yousaf’s profile highlights that he is the first non-white and youngest-ever First Minister, as well as the first Muslim politician to lead a Western democracy.
In the interview, the First Minister said the SNP were tasked with the “tough job” of “re-earning the trust of the people of Scotland”.
He added: “I want to see the back of the Conservatives […] At the same time, I despair at the lack of leadership shown by Sir Keir Starmer.”
Delving into his personal life, Yousaf spoke of the overwhelming emotions he felt seeing his picture hanging in the Scottish Government’s headquarters.
“I really stand out because I look different,” he said.
“It was really emotional. I remember looking at it and thinking, almost whatever happens now […] mine will always be the one that looks different.”
And he spoke to the US publication of the impact of the 9/11 terror attacks on America, saying: “That, to me, was an important moment because my Muslim identity came to the fore—partly because people were questioning it, were asking about what it meant in terms of my loyalty to this country.”
Yousaf shared the cover with a pointed barb at Tory Home Secretary Suella Braverman, who recently described multiculturalism as a "failed" ideology.
He said: "Being the first Muslim to lead a Western nation means a lot to me.
"I hope it also inspires others, particularly when multiculturalism is portrayed by some as a weakness.
"In Scotland, I am proud we are a welcoming nation and our diversity is seen as one of our greatest strengths."
The release of the front page coincides with election day in Rutherglen and Hamilton West, which could be a crucial test for Yousaf’s leadership of the SNP.
The magazine is published next Friday.
